2020 BMW 3 Series ‘Electric’ spied

A prototype believed to be an all-electric BMW 3 Series has been spied this week, indicating the next-generation mid-sizer could be getting a pure-electric variant.

Serving as the Bavarian marque’s direct rival to the Tesla Model 3, the electric 3 Series doesn’t give much away in terms of distinguishing features from its combustion-powered siblings, other than the ‘Electric Test Vehicle’ stickers plastered on the sides and rear.

Funnily enough, there’s still exhaust pipes out the back, leading us to believe the electric powertrain has just been stuffed under the body of a regular 3 Series prototype.

However, the double-kidney grille appears to have a blocked area behind it, while the intakes that would normally reside in the front bumper have also been closed off.

The electric 3 Series will likely follow the upcoming iX3 and Mini Electric in the expanding BMW EV portfolio, and will likely be offered alongside a plug-in hybrid iPerformance version of the next-gen 3er.

Outputs and range are obviously unconfirmed at this stage, though it’s believed BMW will aim for somewhere around the 300-mile (483km) mark to match higher-spec versions of the Model 3.

It’s unclear whether the electric 3 Series will be offered from launch or join the range later on, though we’d argue the latter is more likely.

The core 3 Series range is believed to be scheduled for reveal either very late this year or sometime early next – possibly at the 2019 Geneva motor show.

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